DR VANESSA PICKER - LEAD CANDIDATE
Vanessa is a sportswoman and a former Young Australian of the Year finalist with deep ties to the Brindabella electorate. She brings a diverse mix of experiences from high-level cricket and military service to launching a start-up, working in government policy, engaging in grassroots activism, and academia.
RILEY FERNANDES - LEAD CANDIDATE
Riley was born and raised in Tuggeranong and believes in standing up for others and doing the right thing, even if it means going against the status quo. As a second-year psychology student, musician, and mother, she is extremely passionate about healthcare, the arts, and building a thriving Canberra for future generations.
ELISE SEARSON
Elise grew up in Nelligen before moving to Batemans Bay with her single-income family and four siblings, where she developed a strong sense of community and resilience. Elise holds a bachelor's degree in photography and began a journalism career following the birth of her first child. Shortly after, her experiences navigating the Federal Circuit Family Court exposed her to systemic flaws in family law, igniting her passion for advocacy and reform. Notably, Elise was 16 weeks pregnant when the Black Summer bushfires ripped through her hometown, showcasing her grit through her photo-journalism work with an ACT news publication. After the fires, she moved to Canberra for a fresh start. Now based in Canberra with her husband and two young children, Elise has created an online community to empower women and advocate for accountability among leaders.
